The controversy surrounding the Tshwane University of Technology’s (TUT) Sekhukhune campus has taken a dramatic turn, with the institution’s Vice-Chancellor and Principal, Professor Tinyiko Maluleke, being dragged to court. 

The lawsuit follows Maluleke’s alleged ignoring of a letter of demand from the Bapedi Kingdom to settle the matter out of court three weeks ago.

The Kingdom had given Maluleke 14 days to respond to their letter regarding the establishment of a campus in Sekhukhune, or face a legal challenge, and claim Maluleke ignored it.

The Bapedi Kingdom and TUT Sekhukhune campus coordinator, William Maphutha has made claims that TUT has failed to honour its commitment to establish a campus in Sekhukhune.

The dispute between the Bapedi Kingdom and TUT centres around the university’s decision to establish a campus in Giyani, which the kingdom views as a violation of the duty of good faith.

Maphuta expressed frustration over the lack of response from Maluleke saying according to the brief he received from their lawyers, Maluleke had not responded to their demands.

Maphuta further revealed that they have written to both the Minister of Higher Education and the Portfolio Committee Chairperson, but there has been no response.

Maphutha also claimed that that efforts to establish a university in Sekhukhune, had been sabotaged.

He says he pioneered the project and accuses TUT of hijacking it without proper consultation. 

“We are law-abiding citizens, we trust and believe that the courts will come to our rescue,” Maphuta said.

“The level of arrogance from the management of the university is appalling, let alone the silent treatment from Prof Tinyiko Maluleke,” he said.

Both Maluleke and TUT spokesperson Phaphama Tshisikhawe did not answer questions about whether they would challenge the court action.

The only correspondence from Maluleke was a leaked letter he had written to the Bapedi Kingdom on May 16, appreciating the hospitality they received while visiting the kingdom during a meeting the day before.

“It was an honour and a privilege for our delegation to connect with the Bapedi Kingdom and to discuss opportunities for mutual growth… TUT is eager to continue this journey with the Bapedi Kingdom. We look forward to future engagements,” Maluleke wrote.

The kingdom argues that the idea of establishing a campus was conceived by the late King Thulare III for Sekhukhune, and that TUT cannot appropriate this idea for a different area and community.

In May, the Kingdom, through the founder of the establishment project, William Maphutha, submitted a formal complaint to Public Protector Kholeka Gcaleka, concerning allegations of TUT sabotaging the Sekhukhune university project.

The four-year delay has continued to dominate headlines and sparked outrage among the Bapedi nation, who feel betrayed, especially after President Cyril Ramaphosa endorsed the project in his visit during the burial of the late King Thulare III, also in 2021.

mashudu.sadike@inl.co.za

Source link